MYSTERY surrounds a major theft from a redundant nuclear submarine, which sparked security fears over Rosyth Dockyard.

After a Ministry of Defence statement, MP Thomas Dockyard said he remained “baffled” over how the incident was not detected and was also concerned about security for the nearby aircraft carriers construction site.

HMS Churchill was targeted by thieves with 56 lead blocks – each weighing 15kg – being stolen.

Mr Docherty contacted the MoD looking for answers after being told of the incident – revealed through Freedom of Information – by the Press when we ran a story in our 7th November issue.

Philip Dunne, minister for defence equipment, support and technology, responded by letter saying, “The theft occurred on 19th January 2012 at Rosyth Royal Dockyard which is owned by Babcock.

“Fifty-six PVC-covered lead blocks valued at a total of £2200 were stolen from the main bain dockside (A-Berth) within the dockyard, where they were being stored on a pallet behind temporary fencing.

“The blocks had been purchased solely for use as ballast, in the anticipation that additional ballasting might be required on the decommissioned submarine HMS Churchill.

“I must stress that there is no way in which the blocks could have become contaminated as at the time of the theft they had not been on HMS Churchill or any other decommissioned submarine at the site; they had been purchased directly from the manufacturer as brand-new items and stored at the above locations from their receipt.

“Turning to your queries about security reviews following this incident, I can confirm that the MoD police (MDP) worked closely with the uniformed civil police officers in their investigations by interviewing potential witnesses and examining CCTV recordings.

“As the identity of the culprit or culprits could not be determined, the case was closed.

“I would also like to reassure you that, although this incident does represent a breach of internal security arrangements at the site, the MDP and security experts at the dockyard are confident that there was no unauthorised external access.

“The MoD continues to work closely with Babcock to continuously improve the existing security arrangements, especially in recognition of the increased activity at the site.” Mr Docherty said, “While I welcome the reassurances that there was no contamination at all, I’m slightly baffled how someone left MoD property with 56 ballast blocks.

“It’s not something you can put under your coat and smuggle out the front gate.

"I’ll be getting in touch with the MoD and Babcock before Christmas to find out more about what happened.”